Reno Omokri Urges NBC To Mandate Made-In-Nigeria Clothes, Accents For Newscasters

Nigerian author and social commentator Reno Omokri has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to mandate Nigerian newscasters and on-air personalities to wear locally made clothing and speak with Nigerian accents.

Omokri made the call in a social media post while advocating greater promotion of Nigerian culture and locally produced goods through the country’s broadcasting industry.

According to him, Nigerian television personalities have a significant influence on public perception and should use their platforms to promote local fashion, identity and cultural expression.

He urged the NBC to introduce guidelines requiring newscasters and other on-air personalities to wear made-in-Nigeria clothes while presenting programmes.

Omokri also called for broadcasters to embrace Nigerian accents rather than attempting to imitate foreign accents while speaking on air.

The proposal has sparked conversations about cultural identity and the role of the media in promoting Nigerian products and values.

Supporters of the idea argue that local broadcasters could help strengthen Nigeria’s fashion and creative industries by consistently showcasing locally produced clothing and accessories.

The call for Nigerian accents has also generated discussion about broadcasting standards, with questions over whether broadcasters should prioritise standard English pronunciation or allow greater room for distinct Nigerian speech patterns.

Omokri’s proposal comes amid growing calls for Nigerians to patronise locally made products as part of efforts to support domestic businesses, create jobs and strengthen the country’s creative and manufacturing sectors.

If adopted, such a policy would represent a significant shift in broadcasting culture, placing greater emphasis on Nigerian fashion, language and cultural identity in television presentation.